Erotic Art

Erotic Art - Burkhard Riemschneider

There's some Velasquez, da Vinci, Rodin, Courbet, Goya, and a few others in there from other recent centuries. Mostly, though, the artwork is from the century where art moved beyond just representation. The artist's personal impressions took the place of literal rendering that photography had recently claimed for its own. As a result, the renderings cover the whole space that erotic experience roams, skipping only the regions that some unusual few (very few) inhabit.

The imagery covers an incredible range, from Dali's photorealistic faux to Tom of Finland-style comic-book smut. Paintings, mechanisms, performance, and some creations that defy easy categories, they're all here. The editor's commentary adds historical notes and context. Really, though, this is about the imagery itself. Thre reproductions are good, even if they don't match the highest standards of this year's printing technology. What matters, though, is not the book, but you. How do you respond - and is that the response you wanted to have? Although it avoids the outre, it will challenge many viewers. But what better way to be challenged, than at home, by oneself, and with a warm cup of coffee to soften any hard edges..